Role Of Forensic in Victim Identification: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Forensic science has become an invaluable tool in criminal investigations, enabling investigators to identify suspects, victims, and even the cause of death in some cases. In India, the use of forensic science for the identification of victims is gaining importance due to the increasing number of human trafficking, child abductions and kidnappings. In such cases, it is often difficult to identify the victim due to the lack of personal belongings or other evidence. Through the use of sophisticated tools and techniques such as DNA analysis, fingerprinting and other forensic techniques, victims can be identified and perpetrators of crime brought to justice.  The identification of victims through forensic evidence is a highly complex and labour-intensive process. It requires the proper collection, preservation, and analysis of evidence from the crime scene, as well as the use of sophisticated technological tools and techniques. In India, forensic science has been used to identify victims of mass disasters, like the recent floods in Kerala and the 2008 terror attacks in Mumbai. In these cases, forensic scientists used DNA analysis, fingerprinting, and other techniques to identify those who had been lost or killed. In addition to its use in mass disasters and terrorist attacks, forensic science has also been used in the identification of victims of homicide and other violent crimes in India. It has proved invaluable in cases where other means of identification have failed due to the nature of the crime, the bodies being unrecognizable, or the lack of any other evidence. In these cases, forensic science has provided vital clues that have helped law enforcement to identify the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice. There are several laws that have been put in place in India to ensure the proper use of forensic science in victim identification. The Evidence Act, 1872, lays down the legal provisions related to the examination of evidence and provides guidelines for evidence collection as well as its admissibility in a court of law. The Indian Penal Code, 1860, also provides specific provisions related to the use of forensic science in victim identification. This paper explores the role of forensic science in victim identification in India. It examines the legal provisions in place to ensure the proper use of forensic science, as well as the laws related to evidence collection and admissibility in court. Furthermore, it looks at the use of forensic science in identifying victims of mass disasters and violent crimes, as well as its potential to revolutionize the criminal justice system in the country. Additionally, it highlights the need for further recognition of forensic anthropology as a speciality of significance, as well as for the implementation of dedicated courses in the field. Lastly, it also provides a comparison between the status quo in India and developed nations. The paper concludes by emphasizing the importance of forensic science in helping to identify victims and bring perpetrators of crime to justice, and its potential to revolutionize the criminal justice system in India.